Resolution on a comprehensive approach to non-CO2 climate-relevant anthropogenic emissions

Following the debate on 24 February 2010, the European Parliament adopted by 538 votes to 54 with 23 abstentions a resolution tabled by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food  on a comprehensive approach to non-CO2 climate-relevant anthropogenic emissions.  It notes that European and international Safety in climate policies have focused primarily on long-term reductions in CO2 emissions, but now calls for a comprehensive European climate policy which can benefit from considering all sources of warming and all mitigation options. In addition to considering CO2 emission reductions, such a policy should place emphasis on strategies that can produce the fastest climate response.

Members note that domestic action on fluorinated gases in the shape of the F-Gas Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases, currently being reviewed by the Commission) has fallen far short of expectations and that failure to address its shortcomings will weaken considerably the EU's UNFCCC negotiating position. Accordingly, they urge the Commission to come forward with a revision of F-gas regulations. They also ask the Commission to:

• make proposals for a rapid phase-down of the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs);
• accelerate the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in different products and applications;
• recover and destroy stratospheric ozone-depleting greenhouse gases GHGs in discarded products and equipment.

They note that fast-action regulatory strategies are available to phase down production and consumption of HFCs and to reduce emissions of black carbon and the gases leading to the formation of tropospheric ozone, and that these can begin within 2–3 years and be substantially implemented within 5–10 years, producing the desired climate response within decades or sooner, in particular for some HFCs at a public price as low as 5 to 10 cents per tonne, whereas the carbon price is currently over EUR 13 per tonne.

Parliament also urges immediate action towards the reduction of black carbon emissions as a fast-action method of halting glacial melting, giving priority to emissions that affect regions of snow and ice, including the Arctic, Greenland and the Himalayan-Tibetan glaciers. It calls upon the EU to promote existing technologies that drastically reduce black carbon emissions. Members urge the adoption of regulations banning slash-and-burn tactics in forests and enforcing stringent and regular vehicle emissions tests.

Lastly, they ask for rigorous global implementation of air pollution regulations and available technologies that can reduce NOx and CO emissions, which would reduce anthropogenic tropospheric ozone, a significant GHG. Members strongly urge the European Commission to inform the European Parliament of any actions it is taking in this direction and to make up for lost time by promptly introducing these policy options into the legislative process.